Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has criticised referee Andy Madley following a major mistake he made during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

The Premier League champions took a significant step towards retaining their title on Merseyside this weekend, claiming their first away win at Liverpool in 14 years, courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal after just 16 minutes. The result also marked Mikel Arteta’s first-ever victory at Anfield as a manager.

However, it was far from a straightforward afternoon for Arsenal, who had to dig deep and weather plenty of pressure to see out the result. The match also featured several controversial refereeing decisions, adding to the drama.

One incident in particular caught Hackett’s attention, and he has now delivered a strong verdict on the decision, explaining why the aggrieved side may feel they were denied a better opportunity to take more from the game.

Andy Madley Made Massive Mistake in Arsenal’s Anfield Win – Hackett
Noni Madueke, Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Looking back at the footage of Jurrien Timber tugging on Alexander Isak’s shirt as the Reds’ striker doesn’t quite get his head to an inch-perfect cross from Bradley Barcola, Hackett believes Madley should have intervened to give him a penalty. He explained (watch below):

“Liverpool will feel really aggrieved at half-time. Replays showing, very clearly, that Arsenal’s Timber had a fistful of the shirt of Isak. As Isak jumps to head the ball, he was prevented from making contact – that is a clear penalty kick.

“We ask once again: Where was the referee positioned? Why didn’t he take action? If he was poorly positioned and didn’t see the offence, then this surely is what VAR is for. VAR should have intervened, the pull impacted on the forward heading the ball. It was a clear penalty kick.”

Other incidents in the match that have drawn widespread conversation are Gabriel and Alexis Mac Allister’s eagerness to go to ground at any opportunity.

The latter was on the receiving end of Noni Madueke’s headbutt, which many think warranted a red card, and would have further put Arsenal’s result in jeopardy.